These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a delightful combination of lean turkey and fresh herbs, served with a creamy yogurt sauce. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a party appetizer. The flavors bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, these meatballs provide a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Serving: These meatballs can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a wrap; they fit many meal types.
- Flavorful Sauce: The tzatziki adds a refreshing touch that complements the savory meatballs beautifully.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week for easy lunches or dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki, you’ll need some essential tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet or skillet
- Grater (for cucumber)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all the ingredients evenly, ensuring great flavor in every bite.
- Baking sheet or skillet: Essential for cooking the meatballs evenly. Choose based on your preferred cooking method.
- Grater: Makes it easy to prepare the cucumber for tzatziki, ensuring a smooth texture in the sauce.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil for cooking (if pan-frying)
For the Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cucumber (grated and drained)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine all meatball ingredients:
Ground turkey
Breadcrumbs
Egg
Minced garlic
Chopped onion
Parsley, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper
Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the turkey.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or directly into your heated skillet if pan-frying.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
If baking:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
If pan-frying:
1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in the skillet.
2. Cook meatballs for about 10 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While meatballs are cooking:
1. In another mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well until smooth.
Step 5: Serve
Plate your Greek Turkey Meatballs alongside a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired dish warm!
How to Serve Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Serving Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki is a delightful way to enjoy a balanced meal. These meatballs are versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor.
As a Standalone Dish
- Serve the meatballs on a plate drizzled with tzatziki for an authentic experience.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley for added freshness.
In a Pita Wrap
- Wrap meatballs in pita bread along with fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a satisfying meal on-the-go.
On a Salad
- Place the meatballs over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice.
As an Appetizer
- Offer small portions of meatballs with toothpicks and tzatziki on the side for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.
With Rice or Quinoa
- Serve alongside herbed rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious dinner option.
How to Perfect Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
To ensure your Greek Turkey Meatballs turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use lean turkey: Opting for lean ground turkey helps keep the meatballs moist without excess fat.
- Chill the mixture: Refrigerate the meatball mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape better.
- Don’t overmix: Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the mixture before cooking and adjust salt and spices as needed for optimal flavor.
- Cook evenly: If pan-frying, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring even cooking.
- Bake if preferred: For a healthier option, bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes instead of frying.
Best Side Dishes for Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Pairing side dishes with Greek Turkey Meatballs elevates your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement the flavors beautifully.
- Greek Salad: A fresh mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers roasted until tender; these add color and nutrients.
- Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with lemon zest and herbs provides a zesty flavor that pairs well.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad tossed with olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta offers a refreshing contrast.
- Hummus Platter: Serve hummus alongside pita chips and veggies for dipping as a flavorful starter.
- Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus seasoned with salt makes an elegant side that complements the dish well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.
- Skipping the herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and dill add flavor. Don’t skip them; they are essential for that Mediterranean taste.
- Overmixing the meat: Mixing too much can lead to tough meatballs. Combine ingredients until just blended for tenderness.
- Neglecting to drain the cucumber: Excess moisture from the cucumber can make your tzatziki runny. Always drain it well before mixing.
- Using low-quality yogurt: The yogurt’s creaminess impacts the tzatziki. Opt for high-quality Greek yogurt for the best results.
- Not preheating the pan: A hot pan helps achieve a nice sear on your meatballs. Always preheat before cooking to lock in flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
- Place meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
- Transfer to freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki that might help you with your cooking.
Can I use chicken instead of turkey in the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken for ground turkey. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
How do I ensure my Greek Turkey Meatballs stay moist?
Adding breadcrumbs and egg helps retain moisture. Don’t overcook them, as this can also dry them out.
What can I serve with Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki?
These meatballs pair well with pita bread, salad, or even rice. You can customize based on your preferences!
Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
Absolutely! Tzatziki can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are not only flavorful but also healthy and versatile. Perfect for meal prep or a delightful dinner option, you can customize them with various herbs or spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at home!
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki
Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki are a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines lean ground turkey with fresh herbs for a flavorful meal. Served alongside creamy tzatziki sauce, these meatballs are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep for the week, or a tasty appetizer for gatherings. With just 15 minutes of prep time and versatile serving options, this recipe makes healthy eating both easy and enjoyable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
- 1/2 cucumber (grated and drained)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on a baking sheet or heated skillet.
- For baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake meatballs for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- For pan-frying: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs for about 10 minutes on each side.
- While meatballs cook, prepare tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Serve warm with tzatziki sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 meatballs (150g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
